Piloña: Hórreos, Mountain Hikes and Festivals

Discover Piloña through its cultural history, hiking destinations and recurring festivals. Specific points of interest include the hórreo ensemble in Espinaréu, the varied history of Santa María de Villamayor, collections in L’Infiestu and trails to Picu Vízcares. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the relevant timing and visitor information in mind, as well as the subject matter.

Hórreos and Local History

The ensemble in Espinaréu comprises 20 hórreos and 6 paneras; future surveys may change the count. The oldest surviving hórreo in Espinaréu dates from 1548. The number and age are two different aspects of the architectural history: the figures describe the ensemble, while the date refers to one individual surviving hórreo. Anyone interested in historic architectural forms will find a specific point of reference here.

The former church area of Santa María de Villamayor was later used as a cemetery, prison and school; it was established as a school in 1910. This sequence shows the different historical functions of the area. It offers a contrast for understanding the cultural history: in Espinaréu, the focus is on a surviving hórreo ensemble and its dating, while in Villamayor, it is on the later uses of a church area.

Collections and Sanctuary

In L’Infiestu, the Casa del Tiempo presents a collection of more than 100 clocks and 500 objects from different periods and countries. It also features the permanent exhibition “Los trece del Sidrón,” with prehistoric finds from the Cueva del Sidrón. Visits to the Casa del Tiempo are guided; as the seasonal schedule may change, check the dates before your trip. The Cueva del Sidrón itself is not open to visitors, but the exhibition can be visited. Check visitor information again before travelling.

The first written records of the Virgen de la Cueva sanctuary in Infiesto date from the 16th century. The sanctuary grounds also have a large recreation area. This makes both a historical point of interest and a place for recreation central to a visit here.

Mountain Hikes and Landscape

The starting point for the La Pesanca–Picu Vízcares route can be reached from Infiesto via the local Pi-4 road through Espinaredo and Riofabar. Check road conditions locally. Espinaréu is also the starting point for several mountain hikes, including a route to Pico Vízcares. These place and route details provide different points of reference for planning a hike.

From the summit of Picu Vízcares, visibility permitting, views extend to the Cantabrian Sea, the coastal ranges of Sueve and Cuera, the mountains of Cordal de Ponga and Collau Zorru, and the Picos de Europa. The extent of the panorama depends on the weather. Asturcón horses are bred in the Sierra del Sueve, where they live freely. These horses are therefore part of the Sierra’s landscape as well as its mountain hikes.

Festivals and Travel Dates

The Fiesta del Asturcón takes place at Majada de Espineres and is classified as a festival of national tourist interest. The festival includes a demonstration of foal branding and breaking in. Dates and programmes may vary from one edition to the next, so check the information for the relevant edition before your trip.

The Festival de la Avellana takes place every year on the first Sunday in October in L’Infiestu. The festival includes a traditional market as well as exhibitions of crafts and agricultural products. Individual activities may change, so it is a good idea to check the programme for the relevant year before your trip. The two festivals therefore offer different timing cues: the Avellana Festival is held on the first Sunday in October, while plans for the Fiesta del Asturcón depend on the particular edition.

Discover more destinations: Antrialgo, Villar De Huergo, Villamayor, Piloña, La Goleta, Sevares, Cuerrias, San Román De Villa, Sardeda, Cereceda, Caldevilla, Bierces, Robledo.

For the overview of the wider region: Asturias.